Basic information
Outline of the system
The planning, regulation and control of hydraulic resources and the operation, technical oversight and maintenance of hydraulic works and installations. The INRH is responsible for promulgating regulations prohibiting the importation of water intensive sanitation equipment, fittings and furnishings, in line with worldwide trends and existing legislation.
Resolution No.28 of 28 February 2006 of the President of the INRH lays down the water consumption standards for water intensive sanitation equipment, fittings and furnishings and the energy efficiency ratings required for electric pumps. It further provides that technical approval must be obtained from the Institute prior to the importation into Cuba or production in Cuba of such products. These rules will have to be refined in line with technical and technological developments.
Product coverage
The purpose of licensing is to lay down water consumption standards for water intensive sanitation equipment, fittings and furnishings and the energy efficiency ratings required for electric pumps.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The licensing procedure is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports but to ensure that imported products comply with the standards laid down in respect of water intensive equipment and quality and energy efficiency standards for electric pumps.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Ministry of Construction Resolution No.655/2009. The granting of licences is statutorily required.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
The legislation does not leave the designation of products subject to licensing to administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
It is not possible for the Government to abolish the system without legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
Importers must be registered in the National Register for Exporters and Importers of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Directorate-General of Integrated Water Management
Address
Telephone
(+53) 78363449; 7 8366702 ext. 173
Fax
Contact officer
Director-General: Emilio Cosme Suarez
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
The forms issued by the authority are for:
the importation of pumps;
an application for tapware.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the 10th, 20th and 30th of each month.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Not applicable.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes, it can, provided that the established requirements have been met.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Applications for import licences are considered only by the National Hydraulic Works Directorate at the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources. All applications are dealt with on a first come, first served basis.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Not applicable.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Not applicable.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
Not applicable.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
An import licence application may be refused if it falls short of the established legal formalities and technical requirements.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
Not applicable.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Technical Import Authorization (ATI).
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The technical authorization is valid until conclusion of the contract with the importing undertaking.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
Not applicable.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Import licences are not transferable.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.